Amanda Seales, previously known as Amanda Diva, is an accomplished American actress and comedian recognized for her role in HBO's 'Insecure' (2017-2021). She expanded her comedic presence with her HBO stand-up special, 'I Be Knowin' (2019). Furthering her impact, Seales created 'Smart Funny & Black' (2020), a comedy game show celebrating Black culture. She also served as a co-host on 'The Real', a syndicated daytime talk show, adding to her diverse portfolio in entertainment.
July 1, 1981: Amanda Seales Birth
On July 1, 1981, Amanda Ingrid Seales, also known as Amanda Diva, was born; she is an American actress, comedian, and media personality.
1989: Moved to Orlando, Florida
In 1989, Amanda Seales moved to Orlando, Florida, marking a significant change in her early life.
1993: First Film Role
In 1993, Amanda Seales had her first minor film role as Katy in the movie Cop and a Half, marking her entry into the film industry.
1994: Nickelodeon Appearance
In 1994, Amanda Seales was featured on the Nickelodeon sitcom My Brother and Me as Deonne Wilburn, gaining early television experience.
2002: Def Poetry Jam Appearance
In 2002, Amanda Seales appeared on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam, showcasing her spoken word talent.
2007: Replaced Natalie Stewart on tour
In 2007, Amanda Seales replaced Natalie Stewart of Floetry on tour with Marsha Ambrosius, and released her first EP Life Experience.
2008: Featured on Q-Tip's Album
In 2008, Amanda Seales was featured on the song "Manwomanboogie" on Q-Tip's Grammy-nominated album The Renaissance.
March 3, 2009: Released Spandex, Rhymes & Soul
On March 3, 2009, Amanda Seales released Spandex, Rhymes & Soul, further establishing her presence in the music industry.
2016: Appearance on Insecure and Hosting Greatest Ever
In 2016, Amanda Seales appeared in a recurring role on HBO's Insecure and began hosting her own show on truTV called Greatest Ever, expanding her presence in television.
2017: Starred in Insecure
In 2017, Amanda Seales began starring in the HBO comedy series Insecure, marking a significant role in her acting career.
January 26, 2019: HBO Comedy Special Debut
On January 26, 2019, Amanda Seales' first stand-up comedy special, I Be Knowin', debuted on HBO, marking a significant milestone in her comedy career.
July 9, 2019: Hosting Bring the Funny
On July 9, 2019, Amanda Seales began hosting the comedy competition series Bring the Funny on NBC, alongside judges Kenan Thompson, Chrissy Teigen, and Jeff Foxworthy.
November 20, 2019: Advocacy in Rodney Reed Case
In the weeks preceding Rodney Reed's November 20, 2019, execution date, Amanda Seales initially urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to exonerate Reed but later rescinded her support after learning more about his history.
2019: Released 'Small Doses: Potent Truths for Everyday Use'
In 2019, Amanda Seales released her book, 'Small Doses: Potent Truths for Everyday Use,' an extension of her podcast, featuring essays, illustrations, and photos in her trademark style.
2019: Involvement in Controversy
In 2019, Amanda Seales was involved in a controversy related to false accusations against Myron Rolle, although she herself did not make those allegations.
2019: HBO Comedy Special
In 2019, Amanda Seales's stand-up comedy special I Be Knowin' was released on HBO, showcasing her comedic talent to a wider audience.
2019: Guest Host on The Real
Throughout 2019, Amanda Seales frequently appeared as a guest host on the syndicated daytime talk show The Real, increasing her visibility in daytime television.
January 6, 2020: Permanent Co-host on The Real
On January 6, 2020, Amanda Seales was promoted to a permanent co-host on the daytime talk show The Real, solidifying her role in the program.
February 2020: Defense of Jussie Smollett
In February 2020, Amanda Seales defended Jussie Smollett on The Real after his arrest for faking a hate crime, leading to controversy.
June 2020: Hosted BET Awards 2020
In June 2020, Amanda Seales hosted the BET Awards 2020, a high-profile event celebrating Black excellence in entertainment.
September 2020: Accusations Against The Real
In September 2020, Amanda Seales accused The Real of stealing ideas from her show Smart Funny & Black, alleging the show's segment "Black Lives Matter University" resembled Smart Funny & Black's emblem.
2020: Smart Funny & Black launch
In 2020, Amanda Seales launched Smart Funny & Black, a comedy gameshow focused on Black culture, history, and experience.
2021: Controversy over AKA Insignia
In 2021, Amanda Seales faced criticism for portraying Alpha Kappa Alpha insignia on the series Insecure, leading to negative responses from sorority members and potential legal action.
2021: End of Insecure
In 2021, Amanda Seales's role in the HBO comedy series Insecure came to an end, concluding her four-year stint on the show.
February 2022: Cast in Documentary Series
In February 2022, Amanda Seales was cast in the three-part documentary series Everything's Gonna Be All White, airing on Showtime.
April 18, 2022: Started Radio Show on SiriusXM
On April 18, 2022, Amanda Seales began co-hosting a new weekly radio show, Amanda Seales’ Smart Funny & Black Radio on SiriusXM, alongside Taj Rani and JeremiahLikeTheBible, featuring topics such as games, celebrity interviews and African-American culture.
2022: Smollett Found Guilty
In 2022, Jussie Smollett was found guilty of orchestrating a fake hate crime and sentenced to 150 days in prison, impacting the prior controversy involving Amanda Seales's defense of him.